Bjorn wins prestigious University award | News

Huge congratulations to Bjorn Ramirez, Medical Matron, who has been awarded the Rosemary Pope Award from the University of Surrey for his MSc dissertation.

Each year the University’s School of Health Sciences faculty selects both a PhD thesis and MSc dissertation that have made the most significant and outstanding contribution to the study of healthcare education and practice with relevance to nursing and midwifery.

This involves a rigorous selection process where a committee scores the students’ work according to a range of criteria against the aim of the awards, which are then ratified by the relevant board.  

Bjorn’s impressive ‘Integrative review of virtual multidisciplinary team meetings for patient care in hospital settings’ has not only won the Rosemary Pope prize, but was awarded one of the highest marks for a dissertation ever given by the faculty.

“It was a really emotional moment when I learned I’d won the award,” Bjorn said. “I also found out that I’d achieved a distinction in my MSc, so I’m feeling incredibly proud.”

“My job as a Matron for Eashing and Elstead wards and the Frailty Same Day Emergency Care is challenging and finding the time to study while working in a busy job during a global pandemic was a difficult juggling act.

“There were definitely times when I thought, why did I take this on, but I’m very happy with the results, which are a real validation of all the hard work I’ve put in.”

As he embarked on his dissertation in the thick of the Covid-19 pandemic, Bjorn’s choice of theme, investigating the impact of virtual MDT meetings on patient care, was a timely one.

Bjorn said: “When hospitals across the country switched to virtual MDT meetings during the pandemic, we didn’t know if these meetings were as effective as in-person meetings, or what the implications were for patient care and safety.

“It felt like an important time to review the literature out there to gather evidence-based knowledge.

“The findings were reassuring, showing that virtual meetings do not have negative effects on patients’ care. There are factors to consider to make them more robust but the basic conclusion is that patient care and safety are not negatively influenced by having virtual meetings, compared to traditional in-person meetings.”

Bjorn’s dissertation has important implications for the future as our Trust has launched virtual frailty wards to care for patients. He will be publishing his work in a peer-reviewed journal.

Jo Mountjoy, Chief Nurse, congratulated Bjorn, saying: “This valuable and ground-breaking research is vital for our Trust and our profession moving forward. It provides us with valuable research-based evidence to inform our delivery of care in the future.

“I’m really proud of what Bjorn has achieved and thrilled that he has been chosen for this prestigious award from the University of Surrey. It’s thoroughly well deserved.”

The Rosemary Pope award was presented to Bjorn at a graduation ceremony in April. Winners of the award will present their work to an audience of students, university staff, friends and family at a lecture on 5 June at the University of Surrey.

Pictured above, top right, Bjorn with Professor Melaine Coward, Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Head of the School of Health Sciences, and below with husband Dr Francis Santos.